21 

 The major activity of the division during the period was the 

 continuing surveys and inventory of game populations, habitat and 

 harvests throughout the state. Most of the manpower and funds 

 were spent on deer, elk, and antelope surveys. Other game species 

 and furbearers received attention commensurate with their relative abun- 

 dance, distribution, status, and problems associated with their 

 management in the state. 



Research was continued on the ecology of sagebrush control in 

 central Montana. Studies of elk-logging relationships were initiated 

 in western Montana. Ecological and life history studies were con- 

 ducted on certain game and plant species. 



An indication of the hunting opportunity for game and fur 

 species in Montana is given by the table of game and fur harvest 

 estimates. The harvests are influenced by many factors. The type 

 of hunting season, weather conditions, animal distribution, land- 

 owner-sportsman relations, and the prices paid for pelts in the 

 case of fur, affect the harvests obtained each year. 



More than one and one-half million man-days of hunting recrea- 

 tion was generated in 1971 through the harvest of game animals 

 and birds. The economic worth of the game resource in Montana is 

 high when the values of man-days spent hunting and the goods, 

 privileges and services purchased while hunting are considered. 

 The worth of meat, hides and fur is also important. Game and other 

 wildlife species also have intangible values such as indicators of 

 quality environment, enhancement of real estate values, general 

 aesthetic value, as well as scientific and educational value. 



